University of California Water Resources Center

Several states have experimented with varying degrees of local government implementation of hazardous substances (including waste) regulation. Local implementation allows more coordination of hazardous substances inspections with other local business regulation activities. However, there is the danger that some local governments may not pursue vigorous enforcement because of concerns over business and tax competition. California has instituted the most thorough system of local control over hazardous substances regulation in the nation. It has also gradually put in place a series of measures to attempt to hold local governments to minimum regulatory effort standards and to encourage enforcement actions when violations occur. These minimum standards and enforcement incentives appear to be successful as a whole and offer tools for other states considering local control over various environmental regulations. This report analyzes the minimum standards and enforcement incentives adopted by California.